There are a lot of flashlights out there, but few truly earn a permanent place in my everyday carry setup. I like the Fenix PD36R V2.0 and here’s why. It’s not just another light. It’s a dependable, compact powerhouse that’s consistently impressed me with its performance, durability, and real-world functionality. Likewise, it’s not just another gadget in my gear bag. It’s one of the few tools I carry daily that I absolutely trust. From the first time I used it, I knew this wasn’t just an average flashlight.
The Fenix PD36R V2.0
The PD36R V2.0 checks every box I care about: compact size, insane brightness, durability, and smart features that actually matter when you’re in the dark, under stress, or just trying to stay ready for anything. Whether I’m using it during night operations, checking out a noise outside, or just digging something out of my truck at midnight, it’s always up for the job.
The first thing that impressed me about the PD36R V2.0 was the output. This thing puts out a blazing 1700 lumens. It’s not just bright for the sake of being bright. It’s controlled, clean, and projects a beam that reaches nearly 400 yards.
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That kind of throw means I can scan a huge area fast. This is critical for situational awareness, especially in security or defense scenarios. It’s not just a narrow spotlight or a wide flood—it’s a blend of both.
I can pick up movement in my periphery and still get a positive ID on a distant object. That’s something I value both in personal defense situations and for practical use outdoors or on the job.
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Carrying the PD36R V2.0
Despite all that power, the light is small enough to carry daily without noticing it’s there. It’s about 5.45 inches long and weighs just a few ounces. Yet it feels solid in hand, fits in my pocket, rides comfortably on my belt with the two-way clip, or tucks right into my EDC pouch. I don’t even think about it until I need it—which is exactly how an everyday tool should feel.
Fenix built it using tough aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard-anodized finish that resists scratches and impacts. It is IP68-rated, which means it’s waterproof, dustproof, and rated to survive 1.5-meter drops. Durability matters to me, especially when I need to trust my gear in unpredictable situations.
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Running the Pocket Beam
The controls are another reason I prefer this light over others. It has a dual-switch interface: a tail switch for instant on/off and a side switch to cycle through five brightness levels and access the strobe.
The brightness levels are: Turbo – 1700 lumens, High – 800 lumens, Medium – 350 lumens, Low – 50 lumens, Eco – 5 lumens, and Strobe – 1700 lumens. The tail switch is flat and snag-free, so it doesn’t activate by accident in my pocket or bag. However, it’s still easy to find and use in the dark.
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The side switch is responsive and well-placed, making mode changes intuitive. In high-stress moments, I appreciate that I can just grab the light, hit the tail switch, and instantly get the output I need. It’s the little details that make the biggest difference to me.
The strobe mode is definitely worth mentioning —it’s not just a gimmick. At 1700 lumens, the strobe is a serious non-lethal deterrent. It’s disorienting and effective, which makes it a practical part of my personal security setup.
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Whether I’m carrying a light to complement other defensive tools or using it as a standalone response, I know I’ve got an option that can buy me time or scare off potential threats. I’ve also used the lower modes in more routine situations, like finding gear in the truck, or preserving night vision while camping.
Powering Up
I’m not a fan of being dependent on carrying a bunch of spare batteries. Especially when gear failure could mean more than just inconvenience.
One of the best things about the PD36R V2.0 is that it’s rechargeable. It runs on a 5000mAh 21700 lithium-ion battery and recharges via USB-C. It’s also worth noting that the USB-C port is sealed internally, and also has an external port cover for an added watertight seal.
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Every improvement feels thoughtful and practical—not just marketing fluff. I don’t need to worry about spare batteries or carrying a separate charger. I can plug it into a wall, car, or power bank and have it back to full power quickly.
The battery life is excellent, too. On turbo, I get about 3.5 hours of use. In eco mode, it lasts over 480 hours. I like that I can run it hard when needed or conserve power on extended outings.
Plus, the battery level indicator built into the mode select button keeps me informed. So, I’m never caught off guard with a dead light. Again, it’s a small thing that makes a big difference in the real world.
One other note: the rechargeable battery is removable and replaceable. Also, if you want, you can purchase an extra battery; they are around $25.00 on the Fenix Lighting website.
Reliability and Durability of the PD36R V2.0
When it comes to everyday carry and personal security, I don’t compromise on reliability. The Fenix PD36R V2.0 gives me the kind of performance I can trust in any situation. It’s compact enough to carry without hassle, powerful enough to use as a deterrent, reliable enough to depend on in emergencies, and compact enough to carry every single day.
It’s tough, rechargeable, and extremely versatile. Whether I’m working, on the move, or responding to an unknown situation, this light stays close. I don’t leave home without it. In a world full of tactical gear and flashy marketing, the PD36R V2.0 stands out by simply doing exactly what it promises—and doing it well.
If you order the PD36R V2.0 from Fenix Lighting’s website, there are a few styles of engraving you can select. There are options like the American flag, digital camo, topo map, and skulls. In the box you’ll get, Fenix PD36R V2.0 flashlight, ARB-L21-5000 V2.0 battery, USB Type-C charging cable, holster, lanyard, and a spare O-ring.
The Fenix PD36R V2.0: More Than Just a Flashlight
At the end of the day, the Fenix PD36R V2.0 is more than just a flashlight. It’s a piece of gear I trust. It’s not flashy, gimmicky, or complicated. It’s just well-designed, insanely capable, and ready for whatever I throw at it.
The PD36R V2.0 is one of the best-selling lights in the Fenix lineup. So, if you’re serious about your everyday carry, personal safety, or just want a tool that actually performs, this one should earn a place in your kit.
